Friday, July 29, 2016

Teen geek, Poppy
Pinkleton, is adding some spice to her senior year of high school: A
year of psychological experiments that will 1) Earn her three units of
college credit; 2) Give her an outlet to say what she wants, when she
wants; and 3) Will NOT include her parents telling her to be the “bigger
person.”

How, you ask? Poppy’s gotten the green light from Mrs.
Peterson, the newspaper head, to write an online advice column for the
school. She’s found the perfect name for her alter ego: Aubrey. It means
someone who rules with “magical wisdom.” She’ll be in control of her
online experiment, online identity, and divvy her wisdom to the masses
while tracking the results for her mini-thesis.

Now, protected by a
secret identity, she’s got the popular crowd clambering to know what she
thinks about fashion, homework, and eek . . . even sex! And the best
part is, her parents and best friends don’t know anything about it.
Finally, she can let loose a wild side and speak her mind—right or
wrong, without having to meet anyone’s expectations.

Soon,
however, dishing out advice leads to more than Poppy can handle on her
own and she must make a choice. Hide behind her alter ego or take the
chance that everyone, including the new boy at school, will like her for
everything she is.

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My Review: 5 Stars

I can now look back on my high school years with rose-colored glasses and fondness. The good times and bad times are now sweet memories that I can laugh and smile about. Ah...those were the days and if I could go back and relive them, of course, knowing what I know now, I probably wouldn't, but I might. That doesn't mean that I don't enjoy revisiting some of those memories, because I do, and that's just what this book did for me--it brought me back to that time in my life, but with the knowledge I now possess.

In some ways, Poppy is more mature than most for her age. She is completely dedicated to school and loyal to her best friend, and a pact they made with each other in junior high. For a college credit project, she comes up with the plan to launch an anonymous advice column that turns her school, and everyone in it, upside down.Why is it so hard to say what you mean, speak your mind, or be honest with yourself or those around you? For some reason, it's so much easier to do so when you can hide behind a secret identity, whether it be those seeking advice or for the one giving it. Even as an adult, it's much easier to avoid conflict.

There are so many life-altering events that spark because of this column and many of these teens start to learn who they truly are, how their choices and words affect others, and they get a little taste about what it means to grow up. I absolutely loved the relationships, friendships, rivalries, and situations found within these pages. I adored the lessons and the smart wit of many of the characters. I admired the courage and maturity it takes for these people to make changes. My only complaint is the PE teacher--I kind of get where he's coming from and how he's striving to make his students achieve their best, but he comes across as a big jerk.

I've decided that Ms. Hatler can write anything--she's fantastic, no matter the genre and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more in this series.

SUSAN HATLER is a New York
Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, who writes humorous and
emotional contemporary romance and young adult novels. Many of Susan's
books have been translated into German, Spanish, French, and Italian. A
natural optimist, she believes life is amazing, people are fascinating,
and imagination is endless. She loves spending time with her characters
and hopes you do, too.

Theatre
girl Maddie Brooks has always had high standards for guys. But she has
yet to find one who can live up to the classic Hollywood heartthrobs,
especially the dreamy song-and-dance man Gene Kelly. When Maddie begins
to carpool with Jesse Morales, her new neighbor and star pitcher of the
baseball team, she’s struck by his wit, good looks, and love for his
family—but a guy so into sports is definitely not her style. Then Maddie
discovers that Jesse was raised as a dancer and still practices in the
community theatre’s dance studio to keep in shape. Perhaps her perfect
dream guy exists after all! But when it becomes clear that baseball—not
dance—is Jesse’s passion, can Maddie find a way to let her dream guy go
and appreciate the charms of the amazing guy in front of her?

This fun, high school theatre romance in the If Only line is for anyone who has ever wished for that impossibly perfect guy.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My Review: 4 Stars

Maddie is new in town and quickly befriends her neighbors, joins the drama club, and worms her way into the school and community. Theater is her life and her only true love (Gene Kelly) is dead. She's a very dramatic, yet likable girl. I love her easy calm in handling her life changes, even the surprises that upset her. I love her new friends and they way they're all so different, yet so similar. They really mesh well together. Jesse is her best friend's older brother and he's talented, good-looking, and full of charm. What's not to like?

I'm a little older than these characters (okay...a lot older...) and I'm still learning some of the lessons they learned. Even with good intentions, it's really hard not to judge sometimes. Understanding others is so much better than placing them in a box. Maddie learns the hard way that what she thinks Jesse's passion should be isn't necessarily what his passion in life is.Sometimes people have to learn things the hard way and it can be painful to go through and almost more painful to read about.

There's a nice and realistic feel to the relationships throughout this story and the coming-of-age moments are a real process that progresses naturally. I love that these characters aren't perfect. This book took me back to the good times in my past and I enjoyed reliving those moments again. This is such a fun series that can be read in any order, as they have nothing to do with each other. I recommend it to those readers who enjoy good, clean, YA lit with some "if only" dreams thrown in.

Content: mild, clean romance (kissing); 1-2 cuss words. Clean!

*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Link

About the Author

Lover of books, music,
chocolate, and crafty things. My young adult contemporary novels WISH
YOU WERE ITALIAN, and WHAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED are out now, from
Bloomsbury. Represented by Marietta Zacker of the Gallt & Zacker
Literary Agency.

Liam
Bernhard has climbed Egyptian pyramids, skydived, searched for sunken
treasure, reached high camp on Mount Everest, and paddle boarded in
Antarctica. He has one final wish before he dies; he wants to be
married. With time running short, he hires Pamela Jones to find him a
bride.

Kiera Martin has done the Billionaire Marriage Brokers
arrangement once before and it didn’t turn out well. She left her
verbally abusive husband and BMB behind to nurse her mom through cancer
treatments—expensive cancer treatments. Three years later, with few
financial options left, still carrying baggage from her first marriage,
and her mom in remission, Kiera gives Pamela one more chance.

What
she thinks will be the fast road to debt reduction turns out to be the
hardest path she’s ever trod as Liam’s diagnosis looms over their every
minute together. He showers her with enough love to last eternity, which
is good because eternity may be all they have to look forward to. In
order to find her happy ending in a world where sorrows outweigh the
joys, Kiera must learn how to live in the moment, cherish every good
gift, and love like she was dying.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My Review: 4.5 Stars

I made a colossal mistake before reading this book. I didn't read the blurb, so I had no idea what I was getting into and boy, oh, boy! This is such an emotional read and I just wasn't prepared for it. A book that can bring me to tears is a book well-written because that doesn't happen too often. It probably doesn't help that a loved one passed away from cancer almost exactly a year ago and those feelings just came flooding back.

Kiera is just getting over a bad marriage and when she's recruited to be a billionaire bride once again, she's hesitant, but her need of money propels her to jump in and do it. Liam is dying and his final wish is to be married. This couple immediately has a deep, almost other worldly, connection and I enjoyed their moments together immensely--especially the ways in which they made lasting memories.

Kiera is able to get past her trust issues quite easily. I love how kind she is and the way she makes his dreams come true. Liam is such a likable guy--anyone would have trouble resisting his charm. I love their connection, relationship, and sweet interactions. I love the little heartbreaking wrench that's thrown into their future. When characters think of others above themselves and the story plays out in such a tender way, my heart just can't take it. Focusing on the positive and living in the moment are really great messages that I took away from the story and I love a book with morals to the story. This is a great feely book--one that I think is well done.

She
started out as an editor at an advertising agency before moving on to
teach in the marketing department of the local community college. She
loved teaching and often misses the academic environment.

After her
third child was born, Lucy retired from teaching and began to write. She
has been published in national magazines, newspapers, short story
compilations, and she writes cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock.

Lucy
works as a Recreation Specialist, marketing copywriter, and author when
she's not trying to keep up with her husband and four kids.

If she's
not at the computer, you can find her on the ski slopes, in a boat, in
the kitchen, or in the stands watching one of her children bat, dribble,
or play goalie.

She
believes her 19 year streak of bad luck is over when she accidentally
saves the life of a highborn officer and is taken to court to study
under the tutelage of the most renowned healer in the kingdom.
Suspicions surround her sudden presence, making her more enemies than
allies. She soon finds herself ripped from her warm palace sheets and
thrown into a dank prison cell.

As nobles vie for their spot on
the throne, Ellary learns she is bound to a secret history that could
change the kingdom forever. If she is going to break her chains, she
must trust the charming stranger labeled as her accomplice and face the
lie that pushed her into the silent warfare of highborn society.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My Review: 4 Stars

Sigil in Shadow is a nice surprise. Although it takes place in the past, in a fantasy land, it almost has a modern feel as the story progresses, which makes it easy to read. There are a lot of secrets surrounding Ellary and her family and the way the book unfolds is charming.

Ellary is summoned to the castle by the king after a situation arises that's completely out of her hands. There are great moments of intrigue and mystery that develop, but the execution (in places) is a turbulent.

I adore a story with good friendships and this book is heavy on loyalty, adventure, and mysterious circumstances. Throw in a few shady characters and the plot thickens. As my followers know, I also love a good, clean romance but this isn't what drives the story (a little to my disappointment) and it plays a very minor role.I would have loved to see this angle expanded on, as there is a lot of potential and would have made things more believable.

There are many elements to the story that drew me in--from masquerades, to potions, to royalty, to danger. I only wish that a few of the characters and situations had been developed just a little bit more because I'd really like to understand some of these motives better. The story flows along at a nice pace and then gets rough towards the end, with a few loose ties that just didn't quite make sense. All in all, it is a fun read.

*I received a copy through the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links

About the Author:

Constance Roberts is a
retired flight attendant who turned in her wings to stay at home with
her adventurous daughter and to write. She and her husband live in St.
Louis, Missouri where they spend the weekends playing board games with
friends. She spends way too much time on Pinterest and her house is
littered with half-finished craft projects. She is currently working on
Bloodstones, the second book in the Onyx Moon Trilogy, and has big plans
for another fantasy series.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Sci-Fi, SuspensePublisher: Sweetwater Books, an imprint of Cedar FortPublication date: June 14, 2016Number of pages: 320When
Stanley saves a man, he's given a mysterious device that allows him to
travel through time. But he soon learns that changing his past doesn't
necessary lead to a better future. Traveling over 100 years into the
future may be the only way Stanley can change his fate and save his
family.

Melanie
Bateman was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the United States
at age nine. She has an associate’s degree in fine art from Utah Valley
University, emphasizing in illustration. From a very young age she’s had
a passion for drawing, specifically nature and the human figure. It is
from this creative look on the world that she began to write stories.

Chapter One

​
There couldn’t be a better time to begin Stanley Becker’s story than at
the moment he stood on the frozen stone wall of Kingston Bridge
overlooking the river Thames, breathing in the winter night and pressing
the icy metal barrel of a pistol to his jaw.
I have often wondered
where it would be most appropriate to begin. A few other moments come to
mind, but despite the significance they play, I choose to begin Stanley
Becker’s story at the approaching end of his life.
Before he found
himself standing on the bridge, Stanley hadn’t contemplated what the
best approach to ending his life would be, but he had assumed that a
bullet to his head would be the quickest. What did he know about
suicide? All he knew was that it would be rather unfortunate if he
missed.
Through his misty breath, he looked down at the black waters
that seemed so calm and knew it would be the perfect resting place for
his worn-down body. The moment he blew his brains out, his corpse would
crash down into the dark waters and conceal him from the world he was so
determined to leave. Few things could be more poetic. Stanley Becker
smiled. Soon he would see Jane again, holding little Maisie’s hand and
grinning, just as the last time he had seen them alive.
Although
Stanley Becker was about to take his life on this particular night, his
thoughts lingered elsewhere, remembering the tragic event that had taken
his entire reason to live. He remembered it quite vividly. Six years
ago, Stanley had refused to attend the opera despite Jane’s pleading. He
had stayed home to write a story that he would never finish.
Unbeknownst to him then, on the same bridge where he now stood, his wife
and daughter had lain sprawled in the crimson-stained snow, lifeless.
Perhaps
the fact that Mr. Miller had not driven that night, but one of the
drivers employed by Jane’s father, could have been the single event that
sealed his family’s fate. There were other incidents that only I had
been able to see as I revisited the night when everything changed, and
although unclear, they nevertheless deserve some mention. Perhaps the
cause had been that Jane’s father had insisted on sending his own
driver, that the driver himself had had a drink too many and had failed
to see the incoming collision. Or, possibly, that a street cat had
darted across the street and consequently startled the horse of a
carriage whose driver had had recent late nights looking for a runaway
daughter, losing control only moments before the accident.
I only
observed the minor events of that night, but the matter of life and
death could have been the result of numerous decisions by unknowing
players and (as Stanley’s mother always told him) could not have been
stopped and can never be changed. I can’t help but feel sympathetic when
I am reminded of this truth, however insignificant it renders us, but
it would be a long time before Stanley understood the fragility of our
human existence, and how crucial our resolve to ignore such realities
impacts the way we play our set role.
As he presently stood on the
bridge, yearning for the end to come, Stanley was comforted by the
thought that he would no longer need to worry about what he could have
done differently. Soon, the long, numbing, excruciating life he had led
for six years would be over. He was ready for whatever awaited him in
the next life, if there was any- thing waiting for him at all.
The
pistol felt heavy and the cold embraced him. He wondered if attempting a
suicide could be any less pleasant. As Stanley passed a hand over his
eyes, he steadied himself for the big moment. The barrel pressing on his
jaw was aimed straight to his brain. For a split second he wondered if
it would hurt.
His gloved hand gripped the gun. His finger touched
the trigger. Stanley Becker held his breath and felt the end draw near.
He squeezed the trigger.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Donna Hatch, author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” has won writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she is a sought-after workshop presenter, and juggles multiple volunteer positions and her six children. A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.Q&A With the Author:

1. What inspired your book?

The murder plot in The Suspect’s Daughter was inspired by a true event in England known as the Cato Street Conspiracy, which thankfully, was averted largely in part due to an undercover Bow Street Runner. This event happened in 1820, the same year my book takes place. When I read of the Cato Street Conspiracy, I knew it had to be Grant's story. Obviously I took some creative license, but the suspense plot in my book strongly parallels the real one. As far as the romantic plot, Grant is so emotionally closed off, as readers of my other books already know, that I knew it would be fun to pair him with a spunky, vivacious, glass-half-full kind of girl who is emotionally strong enough to not only challenge him and match him wit for wit, but with a big enough heart to see through his defensive barriers into the lonely, vulnerable man hiding underneath.

2. How do you spend your free time?

Free time? I don't think I have ever had any free time. I'm not even sure what that means. When I'm too mentally or emotionally tired to write, and if my family doesn't need me for anything pressing, I read. Reading recharges me in a way that nothing else can. I enjoy going for long walks, watching old movies--especially adaptations of Jane Austen novels and romantic comedies--and playing games with my family. I've become pretty good at ping pong (table tennis) and my husband is a ruthless opponent.

"Determined to help her father with his political career, Jocelyn sets aside dreams of love. When she meets the handsome and mysterious Grant Amesbury, her dreams reawaken. But his secrets put her family in peril. Grant goes undercover to capture conspirators avowed to murder the prime minister, but his only suspect is the father of a courageous lady who is growing increasingly hard to ignore. He can’t allow Jocelyn to distract him from the case, nor will he taint her with his war-darkened soul. She seems to see past the barriers surrounding his heart, which makes her all the more dangerous to his vow of remaining forever alone. Jocelyn will do anything to clear her father’s name, even if that means working with Grant. Time is running out. The future of England hangs in the balance...and so does their love."

8. I am majorly claustrophobic, which is exactly why, when I had to give my super-warrior weapons master, Kai Darkwood in my fantasy Queen in Exile, some flaw or fear, I chose claustrophobia for his--I understand it.

9. I love to ballroom dance. LOVE.

10. I also love bodies of water of any kind--ocean, river, lake, stream, waterfall, backyard garden pond. It just does something for my soul. This is partly why we recently moved from the desert to Washington State. I even love water when it's falling from the sky. Mermaid, anyone?

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page

Friday, July 22, 2016

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.

She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When
I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur
named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the
opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I
know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just
like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our
youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive
Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My Review: 5 Stars

This book is part of the Power of the Matchmaker series but can certainly stand alone. Pearl, the matchmaker, is a common thread in all of the books. I recommend reading The Power of the Matchmaker first to get some background on Pearl, but otherwise, they can be read in any order.

How many people grasp onto a dream and chase after it? When Savannah is young, she has an encounter with Pearl and three important things about her future are shared with her. Being so young, it would be easy to dismiss these words of advice, but when the prophecies start to become fulfilled, she can't help but to put everything into these dreams.

My in-laws went to China for just under a year to teach English and although they shared pictures, stories, and experiences with us, I found this country and the Chinese people come alive through this book. The real-life experiences and settings are phenomenally written! In such a unique setting, I grew to know and love the characters as well, through their ups and downs, including some very life-changing decisions for several of them. I love a story that has inside jokes and this one has many. Those kinds of things really make me feel as if I'm sitting right there with the characters and a part of the story. These people are dear friends now! Pina Colada anyone?

I don't want to give anything away, but the romance in this one is very swoony and yet clean. There is definitely chemistry and some very deep connections, but the twists and turns caught me off guard. This is one story that I will absolutely be suffering a book hangover from--I didn't want it to end! Taylor Dean is a new author for me and one that I'm really excited to read more from.

Content: mild romance (swoony clean kissing, some innuendo). Clean!

*I received a copy through eBooks for Review in exchange for an honest review*

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Buy Links

About the Author

Taylor
Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon
finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that
were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a
passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it's paranormal,
contemporary, or suspense-you'll find all sub-genres of CLEAN Romance in
her line-up.

I am retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.

I also conduct Medieval/Short Story Writing Workshops in Elementary/Middle School classes. Contact me if you are interested in holding a workshop for students: ccarpinello@mac.com.Q&A With the Author:

1.What
inspired your book?

My former students were my inspiration. When I taught
the Legend of King Arthur, my students knew next to nothing about Guinevere
other than she married King Arthur, cheated on him, and caused the downfall of
Camelot. I wanted kids to see a more rounded character of a young girl not much
different from them.

2. How do you
spend your free time

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading,
watching my favorite movies, and being outside. When I have an extended period
of time, we travel. Two of our biggest trips have been to Egypt and the United
Kingdom.

At the dawn of Camelot, one young girl is about to take her place beside the greatest king in England’s history….

She is a mere child of twelve. But in these medieval days, this is the age when childish things must be put away and greater responsibilities accepted—all in preparation for a betrothal of marriage.

For young Lady Guinevere, on the advent of her thirteenth Birth Day, the whole idea is quite unbearable. After all, what could be better than spending her youth playing with her best friend Cedwyn, roaming the grounds around the castle looking for mythical creatures or hunting rabbits?

However, the wizard Merlyn—her teacher and friend—knows that destiny has a way of catching up with a person. His arrival sets in motion a series of events that will lead Guinevere to her destiny whether she is ready for it or not.

I enjoy traveling, reading, spending time with
my family, and working in the yard. I’m definitely not a housekeeper.

2. How
I relax:

Sitting on
the beach in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico!

3. My
favorite color:

Blue’s always been my favorite color. It’s the
color of my eyes, of the sky, and of the ocean.

4. My
favorite drink:

Just can’t
pass up a good margarita!

5. My
favorite snack:

I devour
nachos and Auntie Anne’s pretzels!

6. My
your favorite movies:

Star
Wars, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and The Mummy. I’ve watched
each of these so many times that I’ve lost track, and my husband shakes his
head when he sees one on and says, “Really?” I just smile.

7. I
am a night owl:

I don’t
usually go to sleep until midnight, and now that I’m retired, I’m comfortable
not seeing the sun come up in the morning:)

8. My
favorite food:

That would
be a smothered shredded beef burrito washed down with a good margarita.

9. My
favorite authors:

I grab
anything by the writing duo of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Childs, and I also
love their individual books. David Baldacci’s books are also favorites. I’m
addicted to blood & guts & spy thrillers!

10. If
I could live anywhere, it would be in Colorado.

We have the best weather—All four seasons. I
live next to the foothills, and a drive up in the Rockies is a cure for any
ailment. I can see the world famous Red Rock Amphitheater from my couch, and if
the wind is just right, we can hear the concerts. My immediate family is all
here, except for one sister who lives in Texas, poor soul. In addition to being
a retired teacher, I’m also a retired airline employee. So, when I need a
change, it’s so easy just to hop a plane and go to the beach.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page